Lucy Cooper’s new outpost just lacking staff

Everything is set for Lucy Cooper’s Ice House, a popular San Antonio 21-and-over bar and restaurant, to open in New Braunfels inside the former Hoffbrau restaurant and bar. Owners Braunda and Jesse Smith are just waiting to hire enough employees.

“If I can get enough staff, I’ll train them, and we could be open as soon as a week from now,” said Braunda Smith, who is still looking to bring on an additional 20 employees. “This new Lucy Cooper’s is beautiful, polished up and ready to go.”

Braunda Smith originally was targeting a July opening for the new spot on the banks of the Guadalupe River, the second Lucy Cooper’s location, but supply chain problems delayed equipment, which delayed permits.

Lucy Cooper’s opened in 2018 near U.S. 281 and Thousand

Oaks, finding success with unique menu items, including

clothesline bacon, tin can nachos, and a large variety of pizzas, burgers, shrimp boils and chicken wings. In a 2019 review,

Express-News dining critic Mike Sutter called it the best bar food in San Antonio. Braunda Smith said the menu at the New Braunfels

location will be identical.

On the drinks side, a huge selection of beer served in Mason jars, large-batch cocktails and whatever shot your heart desires are available to wet your whistle.

The new Lucy Coopers will occupy nearly 8,200 square feet and has direct access to the Guadalupe River for tubers. Smith

said there are plans to build stairs and a dock so tubers can access the property.

Lucy Cooper’s Ice House, 1515 Kuehler Ave., no phone yet, lucycoopers.com

Mike Sutter / Staff file photos The menu at the New Braunfels site will offer everything the San Antonio restaurant does, such as chili cheese dog egg rolls.

Lucy Cooper’s Ice House is known for its unique menu items, such as the Krispy Kreme Brunch Burger.